Footbag net combines the coordination of soccer, the court strategy of tennis, and the set-and-spike strategy of beach-volleyball , all while using only the feet. Players demonstrate remarkable agility by spiking the footbag over the net, using either the sole of the foot, a sweeping inside kick, or an outside push. Even more remarkable than the spikes are the "digs" players use to defend against the spikes. Players also block spikes in the air with amazing foot-to-foot battles over the net.

Jody Welch15 times Women's Doubles Net World Champion, 9 times Mixed Doubles Net World Champion, 9 times Women's Singles Net World Champion for a total of 33 Footbag Net titles at Worlds photo at US Open 2011 by Kenny Shults.

History

Footbag Net was invented in the mid 1970s. It was originally played over an 8-foot high net and players were allowed a maximum of five kicks per side. After only a few years, however, the rules of Footbag net were changed to encourage fast-paced rallying and crowd pleasing spiking maneuvers. For more net history, see The History of Footbag Net.

Basic Kicks

The most common surfaces of the shoe used for kicking in Footbag net are the inside and outside surfaces. The sole of the shoe is also frequently used, however, only when performing a standing or flying spiking maneuver. Due to the large amount of court a player is responsible for covering, it is extremely important to have a good foundation of kicks with both the left and right legs. Outside kicks are generally thought to be the most important kick in net, as they are used to receive serves and to set oneself or one's teammate. Toe kicks are most frequently used when the footbag is falling in front of one's body. Inside kicks are frequently used to receive serve, to bump or set a teammate, or to direct a kick across the net. Inside kicks are also the predominant kick used for serving, however, many players also use toe kicks. Out side kick serves are uncommon but can be effective.

Spikes

A spike is defined as kicking the footbag over the net with a downward trajectory. Spikes can be performed while standing (i.e., one foot remains on the ground while kicking) or while jumping or "flying" (i.e., both feet are in the air while kicking). While they are more difficult to learn, flying spikes are more advantagous to learn because they allow for a greater margin of footbag clearance over the 5-foot-high net.

Equipment

The Nike Air Max 90 are currently the most commonly used shoes by footbag net players, because World Champion Florian Goetze play with these shoes.

Pros:
- easily available almost everywhere in the world.
- inside and outside surfaces do not need to be modified.
Cons:
- pretty expensive.
- casual shoes and not sport shoes.

New Balance 1123

The New Balance 1123 are quite popular among footbag net players.

Pros:
- real sport shoes.
- inside and outside surfaces do not need to be modified.
Cons:
- running shoes made for forward not lateral movements.

Brooks Addiction Walker

The Brooks Addiction Walker are quite popular among footbag net players, especially in the footbag net mecca Montreal.

Pros:
- real sport shoes.
- inside and outside surfaces do not need to be modified.
Cons:
- walking shoes made for forward not lateral movements.
- insides can easily be modified to become even flatter.

Asics Gel Rocket

The Asics Gel Rocket are newly quite popular among Finnish footbag net players.

You can buy any badminton net and use it for footbag, however, this is not recommended because of the different way footbag is played (namely, with your body in the air). When you "crash the net", you want to be assured that it will react appropriately -- i.e., you won't get hurt and the net will fall down without breaking.

So the best bet, and our number one recommendation for net players, is to use the:
Footbagnet.com net set who is very similar to the "Jimmy c". as of today (30/01/08) it is the only serious net set available.

Making a Net Set

If you are low on cash (as many footbag players are), you can somewhat easily construct your own net set with materials costing less than $40 (U.S. currency). For a list of materials needed and instructions for creating your own net set, visit Making a net set.

Footbag Net Terminology

On the net court, you're likely to hear some words and phrases that you're unfamiliar with. While most of these terms are used in all net-playing countries, a few terms vary by region. Click here for a glossary of Footbag net terminology.

Footbag Net Training

There are several good ways to learn about Footbag Net through this website:

Footbag Net Clubs

More importantly, to get serious training on footbag net (or any foobag sport), check out the footbag clubs near you and consider getting help from more established players in your area (if available).